Further readings for the Nikon D800

To provide photographers with a broader perspective about mobiles, lenses and cameras, here are links to articles, reviews, and analyses of photographic equipment produced by DxOMark, renown websites, magazines or blogs.

Olympus has unveiled an updated Mark II version of their hugely popular OM-D E-M5 mirrorless hybrid camera.Continuing to feature a 16Mp Micro-Four-Thirds sensor, the new Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II offers enhanced image stabilization, a new 40Mp high-resolution image stitching mode, and the refined build quality of its predecessor — but with enhanced handling capabilities.

In this second installment of lens recommendations for the Nikon D810, we’ve been analyzing the best performing models for landscape and wildlife photography. Admittedly when it comes to fast-paced photography there are better choices in Nikon’s range but there’s always a case for high-resolution imagery but the Nikon D810 also serves to highlight the best performing models, and particularly in the longer focal lengths where it’s more common (and often more practical) to use cameras with lower pixel densities.

Nikon’s mid-term refresh of the firm’s hugely popular D800 and D800E models resulted in a single model, the D810. Like the D800E it aims to maximize the resolution of the full-frame 36-Mpix CMOS sensor and omits a modified AA filter completely. We’ve analyzed the image quality of over 100 different lenses mounted to the new camera to discover how well this new model performs.

Nikon have launched a new full frame FX ‘consumer’ DSLR. Representing a new product line, the new Nikon D750 sits between Nikon’s full frame consumer D610 and professional D810 DSLR and shares features and specs from both models. Featuring a ‘newly designed’ 24.3Mp sensor we look ahead to see how it might perform.

Launched a little over 2-years ago, the first Zeiss Otus model was a triumph in optical and mechanical perfection, and now Zeiss has added a second model to the range, and high speed 85mm with a heady mix of six anomalous dispersion glass elements, one asphere and a floating system to reduce aberrations at close range. Read on to see how well this new exotic model performs.

Nikon has enjoyed phenomenal success with both the Nikon D800 and D800E models, and particularly so with latter model with its unusual optical low-pass filter that cancels out the anti-aliasing effects. So it comes as little surprise to see the usual mid-term update, the D810, consolidates the two by offering a newly developed full-frame 36-Mpix sensor without optical low pass filter. We’ve had the opportunity to put the new camera through its paces this summer in our Paris-based labs. Read on to find out how well the sensor in this new revamped model performs.

Aimed at professional studio and landscape photographers, the full-frame 36-Mpix D800E with its modified AA filter effectively increasing resolution over the standard D800 model is the closest 35mm full-frame camera yet to rival larger formats in rendering fine detail. If you’re undecided over which of the two models to choose, we’ve analyzed the image quality of the Nikon D800E with over 100 different lenses to discover how well this groundbreaking camera performs.

Aimed at professional studio and landscape photographers, the full-frame 36-Mpix D800E with its modified AA filter effectively increasing resolution over the standard D800 model is the closest 35mm full-frame camera yet to rival larger formats in rendering fine detail. If you’re undecided over which of the two models to choose, we’ve analyzed the image quality of the Nikon D800E with over 100 different lenses to discover how well this groundbreaking camera performs.

Aimed at professional studio and landscape photographers, the full-frame 36-Mpix D800E with its modified AA filter effectively increasing resolution over the standard D800 model is the closest 35mm full-frame camera yet to rival larger formats in rendering fine detail. If you’re undecided over which of the two models to choose, we’ve analyzed the image quality of the Nikon D800E with 100 different lenses to discover how well this groundbreaking camera performs.

At less than half the price of the marginally wider, slightly faster Zeiss 24-70mm f4, this in-house Sony model looks like a tempting alternative, but can it meet the demands of the high-resolution sensor in the A7R? Read on to find out.

Following the recent review of the Canon mount model we’ve had the opportunity to test the Nikon mount version of ultra-high speed Samyang 24mm F1.4 prime. Unlike the Canon version this model has a built-in CPU for full compatibility with the various exposure and metering modes. It also has a fully automatic aperture. Read on to find out how well the Samyang performs in our tests and if that or a rival model is the best choice for Nikon FX users.

Nikon’s mid-term revision to their flagship full-frame D4 series camera includes an updated 16-Mpix CMOS sensor and the new Expeed 4 processor amongst a raft of other, mostly subtle refinements. Read on to find out how the new top-of-the-range model performs.

The highly configurable RED Epic Dragon is the latest version of the firm’s original Epic-M Digital Still and Motion Camera (DSMC). Although we are more used to analyzing still cameras at DxOMark, we’ve had a unique opportunity to assess RAW output from a prototype using all of our usual industry standard tests. As the results were extraordinary, we thought we would share the findings. Read on to find out how this high-performance sensor performs.

The Zeiss Sonnar T* FE 35mm f2.8 is a compact moderate wide-angle lens designed for the full-frame mirrorless Sony Alpha A7 and A7R. But with only a moderate-speed f2.8 maximum aperture and an $800 price tag, optical performance has to be first rate. Read on to find out if that’s the case.

Debuted alongside the Sony Alpha A7 and A7R, the Sonnar T* FE 55mm f1.8 may sound rather conventional and unexciting on paper, but with a Zeiss badge and at close to $1,000, is it capable of offering extraordinary image quality? Read on to find out.

Sigma are well known for their accessibly priced models and at just under $1,100 the 150-500mm f5-6.3 APO seems like a promising alternative to the premium offerings from the camera makers. Although one of the older models in the firm’s range now, does it still have what it needs to compete with more modern rivals?

We’ve now had the opportunity to assess the entry-level 24-Mpix Nikon D3200 with a wide range of lenses. We’ve analyzed a total of over 140 Nikkor and third-party prime and zoom models to assess image quality, and to discover which of those models perform best on the camera. Read on to find out the models you should be looking to use and which ones you should try to avoid.

Although not a new lens we’ve had the opportunity to test the Tokina AT-X M100 AF Pro D in Nikon mount, a dedicated macro lens complete with a manual aperture collar. Manual selection of the aperture is an important feature with Nikon users as it allows unrestricted use with extension rings. Read on to find out how well it performs.

Nikon’s retro styled Df harks back to the days film externally, but the metal shell with its plethora of dials and buttons conceals a state-of-the-art 16-Mpix CMOS sensor intended for the worst imaginable lighting conditions. Read on to find out how this new addition to the range performs.

After testing the remarkable Otus 1,4/55 from high-end maker Carl Zeiss we were curious to see if the optical performance of the Apo Sonnar T* 2,0/135 may be close. Read on to find out how well this lens performed.

High-end lens maker Carl Zeiss has just released the first model in a series of high-grade DSLRs lenses in Nikon mount and we were more than curious to see if the performance of the new Otus 1,4/55 could match the hype. Read on to find out.

Following on from the lens recommendations for the earlier full-frame Nikon D600, we’ve now had the opportunity to assess a wide range lenses with that model’s replacement, the 24-Mpix D610. We’ve analyzed a total of 95 Nikkor and third-party prime and zoom models with the D610 to assess image quality, and we’ve come across some unexpected results. Read onto find out more about that and which lenses perform best when paired with the camera.

Nikon’s manual focus ultrafast Noct-Nikkor was in production for 20 years and was removed from the line-up two years before the introduction of the APS-C Nikon D1 in 1999. While this high-grade model eschews the f/1.2 maximum aperture of the original, it is the spiritual successor to that lens and includes all of Nikon’s latest technology. Read on to find out how well it performs.

The Sony Alpha 7R is the most expensive of the two full-frame Alpha 7 mirrorless models announced earlier in the month. Externally the two share the same body and much of the same feature set, but, where the A7 adopts a 24-Mpix sensor with on-chip PD-AF capability, the Alpha 7R has a 36-Mpix CMOS sensor without an optical low pass filter for optimal image sharpness. Read on to see how well the sensor in this new model performs.

Sigma’s has recently revamped the 120-300mm f2.8 DG OS HSM as new high-grade Sports series model. It’s a promising combination offering far more flexibility that a 300mm f2.8 prime yet at $3,599, it’s close to half the price of a prime. Read on to see how well this unique lens performs.

In less than a year the Nikon D610 replaces the hugely popular full frame 24mpix D600 and features a new, improved shutter mechanism and some minor improvements to the auto white balance system. Although the firm didn't announce any improvements to the sensor and imaging pipeline, we were intrigued enough to put it through our labs to find out.

This is part one of our lens recommendations for the Nikon D7100 where we’ve tested over 120 Nikkor and third-party prime and zoom models to assess image quality. Read onto find out which of these lenses are perform best when paired with Nikon’s 24M-Pix APS-C format semi-pro model.

Sigma’s range of telephoto zooms can put the premium marques to shame in terms of choice, and this one is not only hugely versatile but can boast stabilization and a ultrasonic type motor while also saving a considerable sum. But, just how well does it compare with the new Nikon 80-400mm VR? Read on to find out.

Nikon has had a 200mm f/2 in its range since 1977 and has been regularly updated over the years to maintain its position as one of the highest performing lenses in the maker’s range. Read on to see if how well this highly regarded lens performs in our stringent lab tests.

Super-telephoto lenses like these are indispensible for shooting action, sports and wildlife but their high price and limited versatility restricts accessibility to the average user. Most are to be found in the hands of photojournalists working on behalf of picture agencies, but it’s also true to say that a fair number are used by wildlife photographers including working professionals and well-heeled enthusiasts. Read on to see if the current iterations deserve their celebrated status.

Nikon’s update to the film era AF Zoom-Nikkor 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5D IF-ED boasts an enviable spec, including built-in silent wave AF motor and re-designed optical construction with two ED glass elements. Read on to see how well it performs on the 36-Mpix Nikon D800.

Tamron’s latest 70-200mm f/2.8 is the first from the firm to feature image stabilisation (VC or Vibration Compensation, as Tamron calls it) and is now available in with a Nikon mount. After the Canon mount, read on to see how it performs on the high resolution Nikon D800.

Following on from our series of selecting the best lenses for the Nikon D800 with its potential for massively detailed images from the 36Mpix sensor, we’ve now turned our attention to that camera’s younger sibling, the 24Mpix D600.

Most manufacturers have a lens that gets bundled with their cameras to make a ‘Kit’, and Nikon is no exception, but when its full frame cameras are beginning to be accessible to the consumer market, the kit lens needs both coverage and quality to be an appropriate partner to the likes of a Nikon D600.

Launched in February 2012 the Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD is a ‘fast’ standard zoom available in Nikon, Sony and Canon lens mounts. On full frame DSLRs its wide-angle through to short telephoto focal range is ideal for general use photography, and featuring Tamron’s VC image stabilisation system, as well as a fixed f/2.8 maximum aperture, its low-light credentials are pretty hot, too.

Introduced in 2007 alongside the AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED and Nikon’s first full-frame DSLR – the 12-megapixel Nikon D3 – this lens was a first of its kind and set new standards for image quality for ultra-wide angle lenses. How does this lens perform on demanding high-resolution bodies, such as the 36-MPix Nikon D800? DxOMark has the answer.

The second in our series of selecting the best-quality lenses for your camera concentrates on one of the most highly-anticipated cameras of our time, the successor to the hugely popular EOS 5D Mark II. But by the time it was announced, in early March, it’s probably fair to say Nikon had taken fair amount of interest away by announcing the 36M-Pix D800 and D800E models the month before. Be that as it may, there’s no denying the 22.3 M-Pix EOS 5D Mark III is a remarkably capable camera, and a formidable rival to the Nikon.

After years of unadventurous, unexciting “slow” speed zooms “fast”, high-quality primes are experiencing a comeback thanks to the popularity of full-frame DSLRs and the merging of video capture. The moderately wide 35mm focal length has seen numerous new versions from most lens makers over the last two years or so, including this ultra-high speed offering from Sigma. Read on to see how well this lens fares on the highest resolution DSLR currently available.

Announced at Photokina 2012 the new Leica M digital rangefinder camera is available for pre-order and expected to ship soon. Although the 4th rangefinder in the M range to feature a full frame sensor, Leica have changed from the previously used Truesense 18Mp CCD to a CMOSIS 24Mp CMOS model.With new features added too expectations are running high, so lets get under the hood and see what it has to offer.

Announced in 2012, the Nikon D800 is the current undisputed king of DxOMark, with results that eclipse every other camera from all other manufacturers. However, with so much resolution on tap, the question is, which lenses should you use to make the best of what you’ve got? The DxOMark labs have tested 61 different lenses on the D800 to bring you an unparalleled resource of which lenses are best and which should be avoided. To make it easy to follow, we have broken the reviews down into sections so you can concentrate on the lenses that are important to you. This first section will give you an overview of the D800. We will follow this with a review of the standard focal length lenses, then the telephoto lenses and super-zooms and finally there will be a wide-angle review.

Leica enthusiasts are getting excited as the revered German manufacturer looks set to ship their new M Type 240 digital rangefinder very soon. Featuring a brand new 24-megapixel CMOS sensor, the latest model in the M Series departs from the CCD sensor technology Leica have previously used. So as we await the new, let’s look back at the Sensor Scores for the M9, M9-P and M-E Type 220 using that CCD Sensor, to get us in the mood.

The high-end Sony RX1 was one of the most eagerly awaited cameras in our labs and while we assessed the camera’s full-frame sensor early in January, we’ve decided to publish the results of the Zeiss-branded Sonnar 2/35 T* lens. Readers will already be aware that it’s fixed, and can’t be purchased separately, but we can test it just as we would any other, albeit on one camera body only. Is this “fast”, moderately wide-angle lens an outstanding performer worthy of the Carl Zeiss name? Read on to find out.

Launched in January 2012 the Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.8G prime lens offers a great focal length for portraiture and a wide maximum aperture for low-light photography. Compatible with both Nikon FX and DX lens mounts this latest version of Nikon’s popular short telephoto prime also features a built in autofocus motor making it full functionality on all Nikon DSLR cameras. At $500 it boasts a great price too, so if you’re after a 85mm portrait lens this could be the one for you.

A noise benchmark of 187 digital cameras by Peter van den Hamer

DxOMark Camera Sensor is a raw benchmark for camera bodies by DxO Labs. The benchmark is “raw” because it measures image quality using Raw output files. It is also raw as DxO’s data can be used to cook up camera reviews that cover more aspects than image quality.

The new Sony RX1 offers discerning photographers the unique proposition of a full frame CMOS sensor and fixed 35mm f/2 prime lens in a compact shell. Perfect if you’re after great image quality without the bulk, weight and inconvenience of a large DSLR. But how will the RX1 perform in the DxOMark Sensor Scores?

The new Sony SLT Alpha 99, Sony’s first full-frame DSLR equivalent in three years, combines the company’s latest and greatest 24.3-megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor with its SLT (Single Lens Translucent) technology to deliver impressive image quality combined with fast and continuous autofocus while shooting still images and videos.

Finally, a Sony full-frame DSLR: the last one was the Alpha 850. But though the new full-format 24Mpix camera shines with all of its new technology and features, it now belongs to the family of cameras with electronic viewfinders instead of with the Alpha 900 and its traditional DSLR viewfinder. With this new positioning, Sony stands out from among the leading lights in this market segment.

Nikon’s recently released consumer-oriented full-frame sensor DSLR, the D600, has just gone through DxOMark’s image quality evaluation tests. And the verdict is in: the D600 is an affordable camera that places a high premium on image quality, as it ranks just behind the top performing Nikon D800 and Nikon D800E. It is also a significant improvement over the high-end professional flagship DSLRs, the Nikon D3X and the Nikon D4. Here are the DxOMark test results for the D600.

In the course of the past several weeks, both Canon and Nikon unveiled their professional digital reflex cameras for the next two years to come. With the D4, Nikon has updated a number of points in its pro camera body which cumulatively lead to an entirely new generation of SLR camera.

Three-and-a-half years after the release of the full-frame reflex EOS 5D Mark II, Canon finally unveils its successor, the EOS 5D Mark III, a reflex camera that takes several significant qualitative and functional leaps forward by borrowing the latest must-haves in photo technology from the EOS 7D and the EOS-1D X.

Despite its success with its latest high-end camera models (the Nikon D3s and D3x), Nikon had yet to respond to the great success of the Canon EOS 5D Mark II, whose superior resolution and numerous features (notably with respect to video) simply outclassed the aging Nikon D700.

Further readings for the Nikon D4

To provide photographers with a broader perspective about mobiles, lenses and cameras, here are links to articles, reviews, and analyses of photographic equipment produced by DxOMark, renown websites, magazines or blogs.

One of the hottest launches from this year’s Photokina trade show, the Nikon D750, has grabbed the attention of serious amateurs and pros alike. Boasting a newly developed 24.3Mp sensor, expanded ISO sensitivity range and a host of features from their pro DSLRs it looks a mouth-watering prospect. Lets take a look at the D750 sensor scores and results to see how it stacks up against the full frame competition.

Nikon have launched a new full frame FX ‘consumer’ DSLR. Representing a new product line, the new Nikon D750 sits between Nikon’s full frame consumer D610 and professional D810 DSLR and shares features and specs from both models. Featuring a ‘newly designed’ 24.3Mp sensor we look ahead to see how it might perform.

Now that the World Cup is underway in Brazil we thought we would turn out attention to well-known two teams battling at the side of the pitch. In the white strip we have the Canon EOS-1 D X and the Nikon D4S are sporting all black. Read on to see for yourself how these two teams compare and how well they perform when put to the test.

If you read the forums on colleagues’ sites lots of users lament the selling of their old full-frame Canon EOS 5D, Nikon D700 or even their bulky Nikon D3 or D3s. Practically every user, so it seems, says their pictures from those old models had something special that the newer models lack. Sony think they may be on to something and have introduced the A7S a full-frame model with a newly-developed 12.2-Mpix CMOS sensor. Read on to find out well this new model performs?

Just in time for the Football World Cup Nikon have launched a new super telephoto prime lens for professional sports & news photographers. The AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8E FL VR promises improved optical performance, in a lighter and more ergonomic design, together with a brand new SPORT VR mode.

Nikon’s mid-term revision to their flagship full-frame D4 series camera includes an updated 16-Mpix CMOS sensor and the new Expeed 4 processor amongst a raft of other, mostly subtle refinements. Read on to find out how the new top-of-the-range model performs.

The highly configurable RED Epic Dragon is the latest version of the firm’s original Epic-M Digital Still and Motion Camera (DSMC). Although we are more used to analyzing still cameras at DxOMark, we’ve had a unique opportunity to assess RAW output from a prototype using all of our usual industry standard tests. As the results were extraordinary, we thought we would share the findings. Read on to find out how this high-performance sensor performs.

Following on the from the lens recommendations for the new mid-range DX format Nikon D5300, we’ve now completed the assessment of the full-frame Nikon Df. We’ve tested the camera with more than 90 Nikkor and third-party prime lenses and zooms to assess image quality. Read onto find out which of these lenses perform best when paired with the new camera.

Nikon’s retro styled Df harks back to the days film externally, but the metal shell with its plethora of dials and buttons conceals a state-of-the-art 16-Mpix CMOS sensor intended for the worst imaginable lighting conditions. Read on to find out how this new addition to the range performs.

As the lower pixel count of the two full-frame A series mirrorless models from the firm the Sony A7 has been somewhat overshadowed by its pricier sibling. But with a less demanding 24-Mpix sensor and on-chip phase detection AF, the A7 sounds promising for legacy glass as well as offering faster focusing with the existing E and new FE mount lenses. Read on to find out how this intriguing new model performs.

Following on from the unexpected buzz surrounding the original RX1 full-frame compact from Sony with its fixed focal length Zeiss 35mm f/2 lens, the firm has now introduced a follow up with a modified sensor and image processing engine. Read on to find outhow well the new RX1R performs in our labs.

Announced at Photokina 2012 the new Leica M digital rangefinder camera is available for pre-order and expected to ship soon. Although the 4th rangefinder in the M range to feature a full frame sensor, Leica have changed from the previously used Truesense 18Mp CCD to a CMOSIS 24Mp CMOS model.With new features added too expectations are running high, so lets get under the hood and see what it has to offer.

Announced in 2012, the Nikon D800 is the current undisputed king of DxOMark, with results that eclipse every other camera from all other manufacturers. However, with so much resolution on tap, the question is, which lenses should you use to make the best of what you’ve got? The DxOMark labs have tested 61 different lenses on the D800 to bring you an unparalleled resource of which lenses are best and which should be avoided. To make it easy to follow, we have broken the reviews down into sections so you can concentrate on the lenses that are important to you. This first section will give you an overview of the D800. We will follow this with a review of the standard focal length lenses, then the telephoto lenses and super-zooms and finally there will be a wide-angle review.

Leica enthusiasts are getting excited as the revered German manufacturer looks set to ship their new M Type 240 digital rangefinder very soon. Featuring a brand new 24-megapixel CMOS sensor, the latest model in the M Series departs from the CCD sensor technology Leica have previously used. So as we await the new, let’s look back at the Sensor Scores for the M9, M9-P and M-E Type 220 using that CCD Sensor, to get us in the mood.

The EOS 1D X is the new flagship camera announced at the top of Canon's professional range of DSLRs. It will have the difficult task to replace both the sport-specialized, fast 1D series and the studio-oriented, high resolution 1DS series.

In the course of the past several weeks, both Canon and Nikon unveiled their professional digital reflex cameras for the next two years to come. With the D4, Nikon has updated a number of points in its pro camera body which cumulatively lead to an entirely new generation of SLR camera.

Three-and-a-half years after the release of the full-frame reflex EOS 5D Mark II, Canon finally unveils its successor, the EOS 5D Mark III, a reflex camera that takes several significant qualitative and functional leaps forward by borrowing the latest must-haves in photo technology from the EOS 7D and the EOS-1D X.

Despite its success with its latest high-end camera models (the Nikon D3s and D3x), Nikon had yet to respond to the great success of the Canon EOS 5D Mark II, whose superior resolution and numerous features (notably with respect to video) simply outclassed the aging Nikon D700.

Last Friday we had the chance to attend the Nikon press conference introducing the Nikon D4 and lay our hands on a pre-production model used for filming and broadcasting the conference live on the web.

In response to the announcement of the Canon EOS 1D X, Nikon just unveiled its new flagship camera, the Nikon D4, which replaces the D3s at the top of the Nikon DSLR line-up. This new model features impressive specs: a new 16-Mpix FX sensor with sensitivity up to 200,000 ISO, uncompressed Full HD video recording with autofocus, 11 fps burst mode, improved 51-point autofocus module, face detection, wireless control...